Kwita Izina: Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony. Kwita Izina is an annual event that sees a number of gorillas get names. The mountain gorilla population in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda continues to grow, showing the significant impact of the conservation efforts by the different stakeholders, including Gorilla Doctors, the RDB, and more.
The practice of gorilla naming is deeply rooted in the history of mountain gorilla conservation. Right from the beginning during Dian Fossey’s era, she named individual gorillas that she and her team monitored for their behaviors and family lineages. In 2005, the Rwandan government formalized this practice, calling it Kwita Izina, which is a traditional centuries-old Rwanda ceremony where families name newborn children in the presence of their community.
Today, Kwita Izina serves as a global celebration of conservation efforts, community-led protection and eco-tourism success. Since inception in 2005, over 350 mountain gorillas have been named through the ceremony. This event draws international conservationists, celebrities, dignitaries, and local community members alike.
Kwita Izina 2026
Rwanda’s 21st annual Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony will take place on September 4, 2026. Infant gorillas in Rwanda born in the last year will be named, at the slopes of the majestic Volcanoes National Park.
To honor the tireless efforts of those that protect gorillas, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) extends an invitation to field staff, researchers and a number of conservation professionals as official namers of the gorillas. For example, on September 4th2026, the current Gorilla Fund Country Director Felix Ndagijimana will be naming a gorilla!
Kwita Izina 2026 Gorilla Infant List For Naming
Here is the full list of infants born to groups monitored and protected by the Fossey Fund. Look forward to learning their new names during the 2026 Kwita Izina naming ceremony on September 4th.
Pablo Gorilla Group
Isangano’s infant
This gorilla infant in the Pablo gorilla family of Volcanoes National Park is one year old. This infant was born on July 31 2025, by Isangano. Though still dependent on his mother Isangano, this infant gorilla takes steps to play with the other infants, and also explore its surroundings actively. Known to be quite independent for his age, it is the opposite with his older siter, Uwacu. Uwacu often stays close to her mother and little brother.
Teta’s infant
Teta’s infant is the third daughter of Teta, a member of the the Pablo gorilla family. Teta is the dominant female of the group, and is the star if the film A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough. With the mother’s central position, this infant has a safe environment to explore her independence through first steps, approaching other infants and gorillas for transport, play and or cuddles. Her older sisters, Mukundwa who is the infant featured in A Gorilla Story, and Umukuru, are very caring and often stay close to their little sister, who awaits a name come 4th September 2026. Sighting this infant and the young infants of the Pablo gorilla family is a true delight.
The Pablo gorilla group now has 22 individuals.
Musilikale’s Group
Musilikale’s group has four (4) infants born in the past 1 year. All these four will be named during the upcoming Kwita Izina naming ceremony. Here are the four infants of Musilikale’s group.
Isaro’s infant
This infant is Isaro’s second child born on 26th September 2025, into the Musilikale gorilla family. The infants olde sister, the 7-year old Duhuze spends a lot of time very close to him and their mother. Given the many infants in the Musilikale gorilla group, ecstatic playing at just about anytime is a norm, everywhere irrespective. The four large silverback gorillas give this Rwanda gorilla group strong protection, thereby helping the females with infants feel a lot more secure.
Bukima’s infant
Born on December 28 2025 to Bukima, this gorilla infant joined the infant population of the Musilikale gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park. The sex of the infant is not yet known. Bukima is a very affectionate female gorillas that often stays close to other mothers with their infants. This gives her new baby plenty of opportunities to watch, and interact with the other infants, something that will definitely inspire the infant to take those bold steps away from the mother.
Tabaro’s infant
Tabaro’s infant is her first offspring, born on March 15 2026. Ubufatanye, Tabaro’s mother, is a grandmother at only 22 years. With Ubufatanye and the different members of the family, including mothers, Tabaro has a lot of support as a first-time mother. Though still quite young, Tabaro’s infant is is quite curious about life in general.
Ikaze’s infant
Born on June 27th 2026, Ikaze’s infant is the youngest member of Musilikale’s gorilla group. The infant is fully dependent on the mother Ikaze for everything including feeding, care and transportation. Kwaguka Jwiyongera, Ikaze’s 8 year old daughter, is every so often nearby watching her new sibling with insurmountable interest. She is likely to become an important helper to the infant as it grows. The sex of this infant is still a mystery.
With the addition of 4 new infants, Musilikale’s group is at 26 members. This makes it the largest gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.
Mutobo’s Group
Mutobo gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park has 1 addition to its membership, and this infant receives a name during the Kwita Izina 2026 celebrations.
Nzeli’s infant
Nzeli’s infant is her newest offspring, born on June 19 2025. Nzeli gave birth at almost 40 years, and has been doing quite well. Almost 41 now, Nzeli is raising her infant in a lively gorilla group that has six other infants. Mutobo, the lone silverback of the group, is thrilled by the jungle gym role he is subjected to by the infants. This includes Nzeli’s infant.
Segasira’s Group
Ukwiyunga’s infant
This was born on December 28th 2025, bringing immense joy to the mother, Ukwiyunga, who has no other offspring but him. As the youngest member of the Segasira group, Ukwiyunga’s infant has quickly become a favorite among the other group members. Fun fact, Segasira is the only male in the group and this new infant is the only other male in the group! In future, Ukwiyunga’s infant may grow to become a silverback of this group.
Ntambara’s Group
Urahirwa’s infant
This infant is Urahirwa’s second offspring and the youngest member of Ntambara gorilla group. Born on October 14th 2025, his first birthday is fast approaching and it shall find him with a brand new name. This infant has shown to have an adventurous spirit. Despite his mother’s constant carrying him, nursing and protecting him, the infant always ventures away from it all whenever he can, to spend time with his friend Higa, a 1 year old in the same gorilla group. His older sister, Turikumwe, is very curious about him.
Other Rwanda Gorilla Infants for Kwita Izina 2026 Gorilla Naming Ceremony
In this table below, find more gorilla infants in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. These Rwanda gorilla infants are set to receive names during the upcoming Kwita Izina 2026 gorilla naming ceremony.
| Mother: INKUBITO | Group: MUHOZA Date of birth: 1-Apr-25 Sex: Female |
| Mother: MUHABURA | Group: IZUBA Date of birth: 20-Jun-25 Sex: Male |
| Mother: TURIMASO | Group: SUSA Date of birth: 3-Jul-25 Sex: Male |
| Mother: NEZERWA | Group: IZUBA Date of birth: 12-May-26 Sex: – |
| Mother: IMPUHWE | Group: HUMURA Date of birth: 21-Jul-25 Sex: Male |
| Mother: URURABO | Group: HUMURA Date of birth: 28-Jul-25 Sex: Female |
| Mother: MBELE | Group: IZUBA Date of birth: 9-Aug-25 Sex: Male |
| Mother: GWANEZA | Group: HIRWA Date of birth: 8-Sep-25 Sex: Male |
| Mother: TURIHO | Group: KWISANGA Date of birth: 8-Oct-25 Sex: Male |
| Mother: INKUNGA | Group: IZUBA Date of birth: 9-Oct-25 Sex: – |
| Mother: NTAMUPAKA | Group: SABYINYO Date of birth: 5-Dec-25 Sex: Female |
| Mother: INGEMWE | Group: ISIMBI Date of birth: 12-Jan-26 Sex: Male |
| Mother: INTANGO | Group: MUHOZA Date of birth: 27-Jan-26 Sex: Male |
| Mother: MAFUBO | Group: IZUBA Date of birth: 20-Mar-26 Sex: – |
| Mother: NTIBISANZWE | Group: KWITONDA Date of birth: 21-Mar-26 Sex: Male |
| Mother: ISIMBI | Group: UMUBANO Date of birth: 15-Apr-26 Sex: – |
On your next Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, be sure to meet one or more of these amazing gorilla infants. Get in touch with us to help you plan your ultimate Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, or wider Rwanda safari.
